An unexpected freeze not only leaves us frustrated with adjusting to cold temperatures, but also damages the plants we spend so much time nurturing throughout the year. Don’t worry, there’s still hope. If this past freeze has hurt your little green friends, here are some tips that might help them make it to Spring.
Potted Plants
If your damaged plant is in a pot, bring it inside as soon as possible. A warm place might help the plant recover faster.
Patience is a Virtue
I know it’s hard to look at your plants that are in bad shape but give them time to recover on their own. Pruning a plant prematurely can make the next freeze hurt it even more. Instead, wait until a few weeks after the final freeze to prune your damaged plant. When pruning, start at the furthest end of the branch and slowly work your way towards the center until you have reached healthy plant material. Fertilizing a plant too early can damage the plant fibers during its recovery process. However, you are still able to water it as normal and let the plant recover, just don’t over water.
Prepare for Next Time
Propper preparation can mean the difference between a healthy plant and a dead one. Watering your plants a few days before the freeze can be beneficial since dehydrated plants are more susceptible to damage. Covering your plants will also protect them from cold temperatures. Covers can include frost cloth, blankets, cardboard boxes, or even a thick layer of fallen leaves raked from your yard. Taking these precautionary measures will at least give your plants a fighting chance at making it through a freeze.
It will take at least a month or two to determine whether your plants have made it through a cold snap or if its time to say goodbye. If you do need to replace your plants, Saylee Greer can help you select beautiful freeze hardy plants that will give your yard a better chance to survive in the next winter.